A roundtable discussion was organized by the Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS) titled “Science and Diplomacy” on February 27, 2017 at the CISS office Islamabad. The guestspeaker at the occasion was Mr. Kamran Akhtar, Director General Disarmament at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Executive Director CISS Ambassador Sarwar Naqvi in the chair. Other participants present at the roundtable included Dr. NaeemSalik, academia and students from universities and journalists.
The purpose of the roundtable was to draw out the significance of technology and international relations and its utility as a bridge between states.
Mr. Kamran Akhter, in his presentation, discussed three dimensions of science diplomacy: 1) science in diplomacy 2) science for diplomacy 3) diplomacy for science. He emphasized the need for greater collaboration between science and technology to meet the futures challenges of climate change and water and food security.
Mr. Akhter talked about the importance of coordination and cooperation between scientists, policy makers and political scientists to better deal with issues concerning common people in a holistic manner. He also shared his experiences working in Organization of Islamic States (OIC) and said Pakistan was highly respected for the commendable strides it had taken in scientific realm.
The talk was followed by interactive discussion and a vote of thanks was extended by Executive Director CISS to the worthy speaker and honorable guest and the discussants for their active participation.
